Zirconia (blocks/disks) is one of the all-ceramic tooth treatments that has received much attention in recent years. It generally contains HfO2 and it’s not easy to separate. Plus, it has good dispersion performance, ultra-fine particles, and high hardness. Regarding zirconia teeth for dental restorations, this article introduces its advantages and disadvantages.

What is Zirconia Teeth?

Zirconia teeth, which have been recognized by health departments in various countries, are relatively new dental materials. They are not only a filling and crown for teeth, but are also widely used in a wide range of dental treatments such as dental implants.

Are zirconia and all-ceramic teeth different?

The so-called all-ceramic teeth, as the name suggests, are dentures made entirely of ceramics. People who have not heard of the word zirconia have also heard of the word ‘ceramics’.

Originally, ceramics were pottery commonly used in tableware, etc., and ceramics were also made of the same pottery in dental treatment. However, the previous ceramic teeth had a big disadvantage. Compared with metals, they are more brittle and easy to break. Especially for the treatment of posterior teeth and patients with the habit of biting teeth, ceramic treatment is not recommended.

Zirconia is a type of ceramic, also known as ‘zirconia ceramics’, but the biggest difference from previous ceramics is durability. Zirconia not only has a diamond-like luster, but also has strength that can match metal. Therefore, the ‘wide range of teeth that can be adapted to zirconia’ is a big difference from previous ceramics.

Five Advantages of Zirconia Teeth

① Preventing the recurrence of tooth decay

What needs to be paid attention to in the treatment of restorations and crowns is secondary caries erosion (recurrence of tooth decay).
Tooth decay bacteria absorb food residues and release acid. In the case of metal crowns, metal is not acid-resistant, and it is easy to produce gap oxidation between the original teeth, which is likely to cause tooth decay again.
Zirconia has strong resistance to acid and is not easy to deteriorate after many years. In addition, it can continue to adhere to the original teeth, which has the advantage of not being easy to cause tooth decay.

② Rich in Aesthetics

Zirconia is more transparent than other materials, and it is easy to reproduce the color characteristics that suit each patient’s teeth. It does not cause gum discoloration like metal, and the appearance is also natural, easy to clean, and can be used with confidence.

③ Metal-free treatment that is friendly to the body

Not only zirconia, but all all-ceramic teeth can be said to be the same, but zirconia ceramics have a very high bio-affinity.
Metal dentures will oxidize in the mouth within a few years, causing recurrence of tooth decay, black gums, metal allergies, and periodontal disease.
Because zirconia is a ‘metal-free material’ that does not use metal, it is a material that pregnant women, children, and people with metal allergies can use with confidence.

④ High strength and durability

Because the strength of zirconia is comparable to that of metal, it can be used not only for front teeth but also for back teeth. Moreover, it is not easy to oxidize and break like metal, so it can be said that it has a long life.

⑤ Can be used for a wide range of dental treatments

There are many aspects of dental treatment that can be performed with zirconia. It can also be used for the restoration of tooth decay, braces, fixed dentures, removable dentures, dental implants, and other treatments. As teeth that can adapt to zirconia, it goes without saying that the front teeth can also be applied to the back teeth which are difficult for general all-ceramic teeth to adapt.

What are the disadvantages of zirconia Teeth?

Zirconia combines the advantages of all ceramic teeth and metal dentures, so what are the disadvantages?
As one of the disadvantages, it can be said that the cost of treatment is increased, because zirconia is indeed more finely crafted than porcelain teeth, metal dentures, etc., and is sintered at high temperatures.

En conclusion

Choosing zirconia teeth for your dental needs is a smart decision that offers numerous benefits. With proper care and maintenance, zirconia teeth can last for many years, making them a worthwhile investment in your oral health.

Disques en zircone fabriqués par Topzir Biotech